CoastersNSich

I'm cosidering pushing my visit back to Monday (SFKK is open all week next week), because as of now, it's the only day expecting a high around 60 so far...

I wore the park-provided shorts in 1998-99, and I admit they weren't the most comfortable, but there's reasons why uniforms exist. I'm hoping everyone gets all-new shirts, too, but overall not having to see droopy pants, butt cracks, and untucked sloppy shirts this year is in itself a makeover!

I'm planning to go this Friday, weather permitting. While I'll be there primarily to ride the coasters (duh), I'll be sure to take photos of the park in general, including some of the changes. And yes, I'll look out for costumed characters, including super heroes.

I'm sure the only uses of Photoshop tools were the circles around the loopless Son of Beast, and the addition of Firehawk on the map. Knowing how Cedar Fair's maps are annotated, I think it's real to. BTW, this is the Fun Guide & Map, not the Brochure being talked about. The brochure made its way out by early March, and was widely available at Winter SOAR last month.

I have spent very much time as both a Kings Island employee and as a guest. As many park employees are age 16-18, they may not have the life experience of an older person/guest or employee, and may either take their job for granted or not fully realize their role at the park. Some of these teens go to work there looking at the "fun part" of the job, but not really seeing the demands of the job, nor of those they serve. Guests coming to a large park with a long-running reputation have greater expectations than many other types of entertainment or services. Most likely, a guest, amongst their family, is making their only visit of the year - quite possibly even their very first visit. Paying $10 to park, they expect to make their way through tolls in a timely matter, and to the closest available parking space without much hassle. Paying up to $40 per person to enter the park, they expect to enter (again) quickly through metal detectors and turnstiles, walk on clean midways, and stand in efficient-moving lines, so they don't have to wait any longer than really necessary. And, knowing that food and drink prices, there are certainly expectations for fast service and good a quality product. I can definitely understand somebody's frustration when an aspect of the experience fails to meet expectations. Even as a pass holder, I can disappointed when less toll lanes are open than needed, when I see lots of seats on coaster trains (especially Face/Off) go empty, or when food service workers are moving at a slower pace, even when there is great demand. I'm sure it can't be any better for a medium to large-sized family making their sole visit of the year. Unfortunately, sometimes it causes some of these guests to lash out, either through rudeness or even trying to circumvent (sometimes unknowingly) some rules; smoking in areas they used to be allowed to do so, walking through the park shirtless (or no shorts on female swimsuits). The instance of a child not being tall enough to ride must be understanably crushing. At the same time, there are the guests who know better that can get upset when they feel the rules arent totally enforced, like the smoking policy, or even the rare (or sometimes not-so rare) instance of "that little kid rode, why not mine?!" What I can say to someone considering working at Kings Island or another amusement/theme park? Look beyond the "fun appeal," because like at any retail store or fast food joint, or just about any other service-oriented business, the customers are demanding, and probably more than at establisments outside the park. If you can't take things the heat, long hours, and rude and/or frustrating people, look elsewhere for work. On the other hand, if you are looking for a job where you love to help people have one of their best days, or even "turn that frown upside down," and you feel that doing so makes you better, then go for it!

I'd have to admit that my family was more of a Kings Island family, though we visited once a year, maybe twice tops, before the 1990s. The only time I visited Americana was in two years, 1993 and 2002; the former being because of free tickets for a public safety weekend. We thought KI was better of course My mother made her visit in 1973, around when she began her first marriage. (Which reminds me, I need to scan and post some of these photos). Fast forward to another marriage, about 9 years, when I ride the monorail as an infant in 1982. During the 1980s, we visited at least once a year just about every year, because my grandfather (still alive to this day) a retiree of GE Aircraft Engines, would get us tickets to GE day. I would remember the fun times in Hanna-Barbera land riding the Smurfs Enchanted Voyage, The Beastie, and some of the smaller rides. Later on, I would remember standing in line to ride, with my parents, the Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal, and walking past this big steel looping coaster in Coney Mall (the one that happens to be called Vortex) - I admit I never remember seeing The Bat or Demon in person. Probably the first year I really had a clear memory of my visits was 1988, when my kindergarten class visited the park during the week for an educational ride on the Wild Animal Habitat Monorail, for which weatherman Ira Joe Fisher of WKRC Channel 12 (at the time) was the (recorded) narrator. We ate our packed lunches at the Kafe Kilimanjaro, next to the new Amazon Falls. I was, though, unsure, if my family visited that year, but we did do so the year after and so on. I probably had my first ride on The Racer in 1989, our first WaterWorks visit in 1990 (they stayed open for GE weekend in mid-September prior to Paramount), and my first Beast ride in 1991. Of course, I strongly remember doing Adventure Express that year, when the line actually spilled out into the main pathways - it was the first time I ever rode a coaster in its first year. Oh, and I can't forget a WinterFest visit or two in some of those years - the place was so cold, so busy, and so... magical! And 1992 felt like a great time, I ever so anticipated the chance to help celebrate Kings Island's 20th anniversary! 1993 was a major stepping stone for me (and the park), as I added two coasters to the record - the new Top Gun, and Vortex. And of course, the addition of Paramount. I also remember it being when a big storm of lots of rain and thunderstorm hit the park that day, which was a damper. My dad and I were in line for Top Gun, and mom and sister were riding the monorail - I sort of wished after then I too had done the monorail, because Top Gun would shut down due to the storm, and this would be the last season for the monorail. With 1994, one tradition ended while another would begin - we got our first season passes, and for some odd reason, I made it an effort to visit about once a week! This seemed to be the year I was becoming a coaster enthusiast, and began my affection for even looping coasters, especially King Cobra. I strongly remember the Festhaus show "Game On!" and waiting over an hour (maybe even two) to ride The Beast on an average day. The common visits would continue over the next few years, through 1997, when my parents would split up and divorce. 1998, though, only meant more time at PKI, as I became a ride operator at King Cobra, then Amazon Falls, and I managed to survive the whole season of a crew that went down to four (self-inclusive). Another full season at the Falls and new Drop Zone would follow the next year. 2000, I did not work for the park, as I would find other employment, and begin my college education, but I finally joined ACE for the first time, for some great early rides on Son of Beast and The Beast. I came back in 2001 as an employee, but briefly, but my love for the park still lasted the whole season. From thereon, (Paramount's) Kings Island would continue to be one of the cornerstones of my social life, as I have met many great friends, either through employment or simply as an enthusiast, who has a love for parks and rides, that mirror my interests. In the next few years, my park visits would diversify, as I have ridden coasters since then all the way from Las Vegas, NV to Williamsburg, VA, and so many places in between. Also, my home park would change drastically before my eyes, for better or for worse, mainly in its operations, attitude, and ride lineup. Eventually, its ownership would change, as well as its name. To say that Kings Island has been a part of my life is an understatement. Even though I worked less than 2 1/2 seasons there, it's been my second home. My relationship may be challenged beginning this fall as, I may possibly, for the first time in my life, relocate to another city, away from home. Yes, I've been accepted to study architecture in graduate school... in Chicago. All that aside, I surely hope this point, this is the end of the first 25-years having visited Kings Island. I wish to visit this great park, at least once a year, for the next fifty-plus years of my life. In 2057 (when I will be 75), will Cedar Fair still own the park? Will The Beast still be running? How about The Racer? Will the Eiffel Tower still be the chief landmark in the park? Will Kings Island still exist? While those things are uncertain, I have a great feeling that people will celebrate KI's 85th anniversary, and still create memories, whether its their first visit, or just one of many, many thousands of visits, the first being in the 1970s or 80s.

1. Have you ever been to Kings Island? Yes 2. If yes to question 1, what do you enjoy about the park? Roller coasters 3. If no to question 1, what type of information would you like to know about the park? 4. How old are you? 25 5. If you visited the park, would young children be visiting with you? no 6. How much time do you spend on the computer each day? 5 hrs, I guess 7. What kind of attractions would you like to know more about? Rollercoasters/Thrill Rides 8. Would you be spending several days at the park? No (I live 1/2 hour from the park) 9. If yes to question 8, would you want to know more about local hotels? 10. Would a person in your group have health issues that may prevent that person from enjoying the major thrill rides? (Heart condition, pregnancy, broken bones) No 11. Have you ever visited Kings Island’s official website? (www.pki.com) Yes 12. If you answered yes to answer 12, what would you change about it to make it a more enjoyable experience? Change the website name because "www.pki.com" still references to Paramount. Try to get kingsisland.com or kings-island.com. Also, more pictures, video like Cedar Point's site has. Maybe even introduce a blog. EDIT: Now that I've read UncleHenry's revision... Give the Nick Universe section some great photos, videos, and special pages for the larger rides (Odd Coaster, Reptar, Avatar, etc.)

I also noticed they finally took off the "Nickelodeon Universe" section, which still mentioned PKI, even after the web site's make over.

Maybe they've made some progress that might excite you... maybe you'll get to see that progress pretty soon... maybe you should keep checking back to KIC... Hmmm a hint to an update. Now the question is when will the update be. Today, Tomorrow, or Sunday. LOL None of the above, but soon. How about Monday?!

As of yesterday, no changes, still same old PKI logo. I asked this of Maureen Kaiser earlier this month at Winter SOAR and she guessed that the entire sign may be re-done eventually to dis-associate with Paramount. What changes would happen this year I don't know, but I guess at least see the mountain symbole and P-word to go bye-bye.

While the urinals in the men's room didn't require payment, you did have to pay if you wanted to go Poopsi. I think the women though still had to put the nickel into their stalls, no matter the number.

It's a rumor that's floated around since Cedar Fair acquired Paramount Parks - Great America taking on the Knott's name. It probably went on the backburner after Cedar Fair "de-Paramountized" the park websites, but it looks like it may be reality: http://www.knottsgreatamerica.com/ I was looking at Screamscape, and decided to do my own looking and Googled the "new" name. In the search I found something on Dorney Park's history page... http://www.dorneypark.com/public/news/history.cfm In the listing for 1992 I found: Of course, there's no such place as "Mason Mills, OH"...

I'm curious why some people are going into panic mode over this weekend. Yes, it's bringing in lots of people, but I don't think it will make the experience unbearable. It's not like they're giving away the gate (like they did with Bring a Friend Free days)

And a great one, may I add!

When you begin banning smoking from a venue that doesn't allow re-entry in order to smoke, that leaves one major problem - they'll just do it in the toilet stalls, where surveillance and supervision isn't necessarily allowed. Yeah, like a urine-soaked toilet seat isn't bad enough at a ball park restroom.

You mean Helvetica, right? I'm just sayin'...

Looks like somebody was desperate to link the KIC community to a site featuring bewbs...

Come to think of it, I don't think there were any questions asked about what replaced the campground!

I will also add... "I will no longer go to Kings Island untill they put the camprground back in. I will not support an organization that does not support all forms of lodging" ... the first time anyone has said so since the KIC Makeover.

Ads that look good for well-known businesses, like Westin or Monster... OK. Ads that move around and/or look like Windows 95-like graphics... BAD. Just my 2¢.

darn it, Brad! I remember that video, and, for a short time... I used to agree with that guy.

Lookin' good... let's celebrate the fact that Central does indeed change with the times! I also like the changing Flash picture on the front page.

And if they requested they no longer be called "Paramount's..."

As I've said before, I'm glad it was Cedar Fair, a company whose sole business is amusement parks, rather than an investment group or other conglomerate, acquiring Kings Island. There has even been a rumor that August A. Busch IV, replacing his father at Anheuser-Busch, may consider selling off Busch's theme park division. While it's believeable that Busch expressed interest in the Paramount Parks, I don't think they went too far. I'm led to believe that it was an investment firm, that included some former theme park executives, that eventually lost the bidding battle with Cedar Fair. While an investment group has a lot of potential for KI, they might also be in the situation where they're looking to make a big profit off the parks, then take off when the timing's right.

My bad, I was thinking it was Lucas Oil Arena because it is giong to convert to basketball as well. I must say however, it looks like an awesome sports complex. I like the construction camera they have too. In resonse to Avatar, I do know that the name of the Colts' future stadium is "Lucas Oil Stadium," but I think it would sound 'classier' if shortened to just "Lucas Stadium." The original working name "Indiana Stadium" sounded better, but that's probably me and a few others thinking that. Of course, while the primary tenant of Lucas (Oil) Stadium is Colts NFL football, the stadium will be very flexible in the uses it can have, especially conventions, concerts, and basketball. (Why didn't the Einsteins in Cincinnati think of such a facility?) Just like it was held in the RCA Dome, the NCAA tournament and Final Fours will also be played in the new Stadium every few years or so. While I thought the RCA Dome is a decent facility, the new Stadium will hands down beat it - more seats, wider seats, more restrooms, escalators, and, most importantly, retractable roof and windows, great for football games in late summer and early fall. And the Colts and Indianapolis are trying to land the Super Bowl within the next 5 to 10 years - somethng they just couldn't do with RCA Dome. The architecture is nice, as it is reminscent of the historic Coliseum on the Indiana State Faigrounds. While I'm not the biggest fan of the retro ballpark fad, this one has some good taste, and it will surely become a catalyst for redevelopment around it, for downtown Indianapolis, and surely a new landmark for Indiana. Back to the original topic, the new name of Gilroy Gardens is better, not only creating awareness of its location, but it is an easier name to pronounce and spell than "Bonfante."